Dutch football expert Elko Born picks out five youngsters who could make the step up from the Eredivisie to the Premier League this summer

Pass the Dutchman: Which of these players could make an impact in England?

At the World Cup, Holland showed up with a remarkably young squad, and while the likes of Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie were well known, many of the Dutch defenders still played in the Dutch Eredivisie.

Judging by their performances in Brazil, but also by their club records, some of the Eredivisie’s most talented players might be ready for a move to a club in a bigger league.

Here, we take a look five Dutch players who could make an impact in the Premier League.

Daley Blind

Age: 24 Club: Ajax Position: Left-back and defensive midfielder

Since the World Cup, one of the most well known young Dutch players is Daley Blind. Playing as a left-back, and sometimes as defensive midfielder or as a centre-back, the Ajax youngster was a key man in manager Louis van Gaal’s Oranje.

Dean Mouhtaropoulos

Oranje crush: Blind (right) can play in a range of positions

Blind’s played especially well during Holland’s first match, against Spain, when he delivered a pin-point cross that led to Robin van Persie’s headed wondergoal. But he performed in other matches as well. He scored a fine goal against Brazil during the third place play-off match.

Would suit: Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur

Memphis Depay

Age: 20 Club: PSV Eindhoven Position: Left winger

This summer, Memphis Depay caught the attention of the footballing world when he made his World Cup debut for Holland against Australia and immediately scored the winning goal. The next match, against Chile, he scored again.

At his club PSV Eindhoven, the left winger slotted in 12 goals last year, but it is generally understood he is yet to reach his full potential. This is where Van Gaal could step in. It’s a well known fact the Dutch manager loves to work with youngsters, and at the World Cup it became apparent Van Gaal and Depay have an excellent understanding.

Would suit: Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur

Jordy Clasie

Age: 23 Club: Feyenoord Position: Central midfielder

Ahead of the World Cup, it seemed like Jordy Clasie could become an important player in Holland’s setup. But for some reason, Van Gaal decided against it, opting for midfielders Nigel de Jong, Georginio Wijnaldum and Jonathan de Guzman instead.

During the semi-final against Argentina, however, Clasie finally received his chance, and the Feyenoord man impressed. Now, Clasie is - once again - being linked with different clubs in Europe.

Charlie Crowhurst

Jordy sure: Clasie is a clever midfield schemer

Out of all the interested parties, however, Southampton would perhaps be the most likely destination, especially because new Saints manager Ronald Koeman worked with Clasie for years at Feyenoord.

Zakkaria Bakkali

Age: 18 Position: Winger Club: PSV Eindhoven

PSV Eindhoven’s Zakkaria Bakkali has been linked to various English clubs on multiple occasions. This may or may not be related to Bakkali’s refusal to extend his contract at the Dutch side, who now seem to be looking to unload the supposed wonder kid this summer.

At PSV, Bakkali scored three goals in 16 matches last year. But while he seems like a very talented winger, can he be trusted with a move to the Premier League at his very young age?

Would suit: Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Southampton

Georginio Wijnaldum

Age: 23 Position: Attacking midfielder Club: PSV Eindhoven

At the World Cup, Georginio Wijnaldum often partnered Nigel de Jong at the base of Holland’s midfield. At his club PSV Eindhoven, however, Wijnaldum often plays in a more advanced role, as one of the two central midfielders in a 4-3-3 formation.

But as became apparent in Brazil, Wijnaldum can also play as a true No. 10, should the situation ask for it. All in all, it’s clear the young Dutchman is as versatile as he is intelligent.

Reuters

All smiles: Wijnaldum (right) played a big part for the Netherlands in Brazil

Wijnaldum spent most of last season injured. Should he have played, there would likely be much more interest in him this summer. Perhaps a clever club could take advantage of his fact by snapping him up without notice?